After a grueling three hour hike from the lower trailhead with enough gear for an expedition (my buddy didn't have 4wd!), we made it to camp exhausted and spent the next two days waiting out rainstorms. Having not actually seen the peak yet, we woke up on the third day to a beautiful crystal clear sky. Beautiful, trouble-free climb. We made it back to the saddle and got caught in a hailstorm with plenty of thunder and the worst, lightning! We hunkered down for about 45 minutes and the storm passed. The rainbows it left at sunset on our descent were absolute bliss.

One of the more demanding mountains I've climbed. I enjoyed it, but it took everything I had. It did not help that I got almost no sleep the previous night...I slept in an ENO at the parking lot at the trailhead, and absolutely froze. BAD idea.

Topped out with Dorca and Bianka. Michelle and Sean made it to the south shoulder after braving the crux out of the east gully. The weather was perfect. Unfortunately, Dorca hurt her knee near the Eye of the Needle on the way down which required a lot more time for the descent than expected. Everyone enjoyed themselves, however, including Dorca.

Summited @ 12.18, off by 13.23. Blessed w/ good weather! Descent a bit tricky but uneventful. Quite unfortunate F called my idea for celebrating finishing last peak outside of Eolus group "retarded..." Had really looked forward to celebrating tonight :(

Back @ camp @ 16.22. Took off ~15 min. later to get requisite elevation for the day- hiked down to former 4WD trail/parking. Arrived @ 16.51, immediately turned around. Back @ camp @ 17.12. 12-hr day!! Great day (at least until got back to camp...)

Had incredible weather. Warm, calm, and clear. Hung out alone on the summit for over an hour. Some of the most awesome views I've ever experienced. Just unbelievable. Had a blast on the route, as well, but it was easier than I expected.

Climbed the standard route with my climbing buddy Dustin. This was a fun long climb. Route finding was challenging. Rock was solid and provided ample great holds. Weather held for us and summited. One of my new favorites!

Climbed the standard Red Couloir on Crestone Peak, easy but seems like it'll never end. Then did the traverse to Needle. Stayed fairly high, making the approach to the traverse a little more interesting.

Only the last technical section from the Black Gendarme was fun, in my opinion. Fun C4 section. Down the majority of the East Gully (kind of like canyoneering when descending the lower part).

didnt like this traverse too much..the final pitch to top of needle was cool..but was a beautiful bluebird day with fun peeps and laughing so who cares.. ha.. thanks Dale for giving us a ride on ur atv to TH and then joining us.. that extra 3 miles would have blew at end of long day..ellingwood arete is way to go on this sitch..coocoochachoo